I just played a game where I showed up a couple of minutes late. My
opponent was using a Digital Clock, set for the appropriate default
Time Delay.

However, he also had deducted 5 minutes from each clock, apparently
based on the erroneous assumption that such a deduction was mandatory.

I talked to the Tournament Director, and he had made no
announcement that instructed players to make this time deduction.
Indeed, since the play took place on a Club meeting weeknight, and
there was only one round that evening, time was not of the essence, at
least in terms of keeping to a tournament schedule for the rounds.

My understanding is that the default option is NOT to deduct the 5
minutes from the clocks, unless specifically instructed to do so by
the TD.

Morever, the new rule book apparently states that deducting the 5
minutes is not the preferred option, and is clearly not the default
option. Rather, it is an option that should be taken **By the TD**
when, for instance, a tournament is running behind schedule, and the
TD is worried that the next round will be delayed. By implication, the
TD probably ought not be mandating a time deduction for every round,
unless there is a specific and pressing reason to do so. Moreover,
such a time deduction must be made only when announced by the TD; it
should not be made by the players thenselves, unless they are directed
to do so.

My question is: In the situation described above, do I have the
right to complain to the TD, and request that the incorrectly deducted
time be restored to my clock. If the time is restored to my clock, is
it proper to also have the time restored to my opponent's clock, even
though he mis-set his own clock, in ignorance of the rules?

Thank you for convincing me never to direct a tournament.

(Isidor Gunsberg) writes:

I just played a game where I showed up a couple of minutes late. My
opponent was using a Digital Clock, set for the appropriate default
Time Delay.

However, he also had deducted 5 minutes from each clock, apparently
based on the erroneous assumption that such a deduction was mandatory.

I talked to the Tournament Director, and he had made no
announcement that instructed players to make this time deduction.
Indeed, since the play took place on a Club meeting weeknight, and
there was only one round that evening, time was not of the essence, at
least in terms of keeping to a tournament schedule for the rounds.

My understanding is that the default option is NOT to deduct the 5
minutes from the clocks, unless specifically instructed to do so by
the TD.

Morever, the new rule book apparently states that deducting the 5
minutes is not the preferred option, and is clearly not the default
option. Rather, it is an option that should be taken **By the TD**
when, for instance, a tournament is running behind schedule, and the
TD is worried that the next round will be delayed. By implication, the
TD probably ought not be mandating a time deduction for every round,
unless there is a specific and pressing reason to do so. Moreover,
such a time deduction must be made only when announced by the TD; it
should not be made by the players thenselves, unless they are directed
to do so.

My question is: In the situation described above, do I have the
right to complain to the TD, and request that the incorrectly deducted
time be restored to my clock. If the time is restored to my clock, is
it proper to also have the time restored to my opponent's clock, even
though he mis-set his own clock, in ignorance of the rules?

I would add 5 minutes to each side, restoring the 5 minutes deducted in
error, but retaining the time advantage your opponent has because you
arrived late.

You weaken your case by offering the clearly incorrect idea that you can
get the 5 minutes but your opponent cannot. In the spirit of good chess
I would (as TD) ignore your mean-spirited suggestion.


--
Kenneth Sloan
Computer and Information Sciences (205) 934-2213
University of Alabama at Birmingham FAX (205) 934-5473
Birmingham, AL 35294-1170 http://www.cis.uab.edu/info/faculty/sloan/

"Isidor Gunsberg" wrote in message
om...

My question is: ..., do I have the
right to complain to the TD,

But of course. You'd be surprised at how many exercise this right time and
time again. Sigh.

StanB

if you did not show up on time, you have no standing to dispute the matter.
i am not sure your understanding of the rule is correct. are you refering to
uschess rules or another national system?

"Isidor Gunsberg" wrote in message
om...
I just played a game where I showed up a couple of minutes late. My
opponent was using a Digital Clock, set for the appropriate default
Time Delay.

However, he also had deducted 5 minutes from each clock, apparently
based on the erroneous assumption that such a deduction was mandatory.

I talked to the Tournament Director, and he had made no
announcement that instructed players to make this time deduction.
Indeed, since the play took place on a Club meeting weeknight, and
there was only one round that evening, time was not of the essence, at
least in terms of keeping to a tournament schedule for the rounds.

My understanding is that the default option is NOT to deduct the 5
minutes from the clocks, unless specifically instructed to do so by
the TD.

Morever, the new rule book apparently states that deducting the 5
minutes is not the preferred option, and is clearly not the default
option. Rather, it is an option that should be taken **By the TD**
when, for instance, a tournament is running behind schedule, and the
TD is worried that the next round will be delayed. By implication, the
TD probably ought not be mandating a time deduction for every round,
unless there is a specific and pressing reason to do so. Moreover,
such a time deduction must be made only when announced by the TD; it
should not be made by the players thenselves, unless they are directed
to do so.

My question is: In the situation described above, do I have the
right to complain to the TD, and request that the incorrectly deducted
time be restored to my clock. If the time is restored to my clock, is
it proper to also have the time restored to my opponent's clock, even
though he mis-set his own clock, in ignorance of the rules?

The default way is to not deduct. The USCF has very little interest in
explaining these rules to its members. I would guess less than 1% of
players, and less than 50% of directors are well versed in time dealy and
sudden death rules. I have done a lot of study of these rules and have
spoken to MANY ANTDs and NTDs and still feel do not feel confident.

Your opponent incorrectly set the clock, but not intentionally. Both sides
should get an extra 5 min and the game continue, as people before me have
stated.

The USCF should update its webpage from 1999 and explain the rules for SD
and time delay in a clear and concise fashion. They should also take 1/4 of
a page or so in each Chess Life issue to explain these procedures. I have
directed and played in over 100 tournaments, and almost nobody knows or
understands time delay and sudden death rules.

IM and Senior TD Ben Finegold

"marc margolies" wrote in message
...
if you did not show up on time, you have no standing to dispute the
matter.
i am not sure your understanding of the rule is correct. are you refering
to
uschess rules or another national system?

"Isidor Gunsberg" wrote in message
om...
I just played a game where I showed up a couple of minutes late. My
opponent was using a Digital Clock, set for the appropriate default
Time Delay.

However, he also had deducted 5 minutes from each clock, apparently
based on the erroneous assumption that such a deduction was mandatory.

I talked to the Tournament Director, and he had made no
announcement that instructed players to make this time deduction.
Indeed, since the play took place on a Club meeting weeknight, and
there was only one round that evening, time was not of the essence, at
least in terms of keeping to a tournament schedule for the rounds.

My understanding is that the default option is NOT to deduct the 5
minutes from the clocks, unless specifically instructed to do so by
the TD.

Morever, the new rule book apparently states that deducting the 5
minutes is not the preferred option, and is clearly not the default
option. Rather, it is an option that should be taken **By the TD**
when, for instance, a tournament is running behind schedule, and the
TD is worried that the next round will be delayed. By implication, the
TD probably ought not be mandating a time deduction for every round,
unless there is a specific and pressing reason to do so. Moreover,
such a time deduction must be made only when announced by the TD; it
should not be made by the players thenselves, unless they are directed
to do so.

My question is: In the situation described above, do I have the
right to complain to the TD, and request that the incorrectly deducted
time be restored to my clock. If the time is restored to my clock, is
it proper to also have the time restored to my opponent's clock, even
though he mis-set his own clock, in ignorance of the rules?

"Isidor Gunsberg" wrote in message
om...
I just played a game where I showed up a couple of minutes late. My
opponent was using a Digital Clock, set for the appropriate default
Time Delay.

However, he also had deducted 5 minutes from each clock, apparently
based on the erroneous assumption that such a deduction was mandatory.

[Sob story snipped]

The players should not mess with the clocks before a game, i had this at a
tourney I arrived late but just as the TD announced to start white's clocks,
5 mins was missing from time so I reset the clock, my opponent was not
pleased , until I suggested he explain how 5 mins could have passed since he
announced to start the matches.
Thankfully I went on to cane the guy, with a variation of the Vienna .....